Simon Woolford has landed his No.1 target for 2019 as Huddersfield Giants have signed NRL star Akuila Uate.

And the John Smith’s Stadium coach believes he now has one of the most destructive wing pairings in Super League after landing the Manly Sea Eagles star to team up with England ace Jermaine McGillvary.

The 31-year-old has played for New South Wales in the State of Origin, and for both Australia and Fiji in international rugby, winning a total of 23 caps.

He started his career with Newcastle Knights, where he scored 110 tries in 161 matches - more than anyone else in the history of the club - before moving to Manly last year.

“Akuila is a player with true class and pedigree having scored over 100 NRL tries and playing at the highest level internationally as well as in State of Origin, so we’re really excited to add him to our ranks for 2019,” said Giants head coach Woolford.“

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In Akuila Uate and Jermaine McGillvary we now have two world-class outstanding wingers who are capable of scoring some magnificent tries and making some big metres during games.

“Aku will really strengthen our side as well as help to develop the number of talented young wingers at the club, particularly Innes and Louis Senior and I feel it’s a real statement signing from the club which shows our ambitions and where we want to be.

”Uate is the Giants’ second major signing in the last seven days after announcing the capture of fellow NRL player Matt Frawley from Canterbury Bulldogs.

And Giants managing director Richard Thewlis revealed Woolford has been eyeing up Uate.

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“From the word go Aku was Simon’s number one priority strike signing for 2019 and it was his relationship with him that went a long way to ensuring he will become a Giant,” he said.

“From reports Down Under and looking at his career, he certainly has all the attributes to become a real fans favourite in the claret and gold.

And Thewlis hinted that there may be more players to come ahead of next season.

He said: “There is an awful lot of work going on quietly here away from the spotlight in terms of both the playing and support staff which we are working through in timely fashion to give Simon what he wants ahead of 2019.”